A physiologist is conducting an experiment to study the effect of hypertension on blood vessels and blood flow. In one of the patients , he discoves that the right renal artery is narrowed and the left renal is intact. If he concludes the flow in the vessel is decreased by factor of 16 compared to the left. By what percentage has the radius of the lumen been reduced?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The flow of blood through a vessel can be calculated by dividing the pressure gradient between two points in the vessel by the resistance to flow in that vessel. The resistance in a blood vessel can be calculated using Poiseuille's equation and in conclusion blood flow is directly proportional to the vessel radius raised to the fourth power.  Resistance to blood flow is inversely proportional to the vessel radius raised to the fourth power.

A Physiologist Is Conducting an Experiment to Study the Effect